Stage Transformed For McCain

By Justin Deck / Washington Bureau Producer

ST. PAUL, Minn. — As we arrived at the Xcel Center on Thursday for the final night of the Republican National Convention, preparations were in full swing for John McCain’s acceptance speech.

Stage Before

Preparations Underway...

The main stage in the Xcel Center has been adjusted for the acceptance speech tonight, noticeably absent was half of the actual stage and the neon lit stairs that led up to the podium, although those stairs were heavily guarded at all times. The front half of the stage has been removed and replaced by a runway like path leading into the audience.

done

The runway leading into the crowd of delegates looks strikingly similar to the town hall forums that McCain is most comfortable with on the campaign trail.